There are many different skin treatments available to address different needs and achieve the desired results. Two of the most popular procedures are microdermabrasion vs chemical peel.
Both have advantages and disadvantages, but which one is best for you? In this blog post, we’ll explore the differences between microdermabrasion and chemical peels to help you decide which treatment may be best for your particular skin type, condition, and goals.
What Is A Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel is a skin-resurfacing procedure that involves the application of chemicals to the skin, to remove dead or damage skin cells.
The result is a smoother and more even complexion. Chemical peels vary in depth and can treat a variety of conditions ranging from mild acne scarring to deep wrinkles, sun damages, and freckles.
Chemical peels are classified into three depths; superficial (alpha hydroxy acid), medium (trichloroacetic acid) or deep (phenol). Superficial peels only penetrate the outermost layer of skin, which can lessen fine lines caused by sun damage, lighten discolorations such as hyperpigmentation or melasma and improve surface texture.
Medium peels penetrate the epidermis and deeper layers of cells for treating severe sun damage, deeper wrinkles, some types of scarring as well as precancerous lesions.
Deep peels go even further into the dermis and should only be used for serious cases of deep wrinkles or scars on special areas like around the eyes or mouth.
The main types of chemical agents used in chemical peeling include glycolic acid, lactic acid salicylic acid, retinoic acid derivatives (e.g., tretinoin) vitamin C and trichloroacetic acids.
They all have different concentrations depending on the person’s medical history as well as desired effects, so it’s important to consult your dermatologist before proceeding with any kind of chemical peel treatment.
What Are The Benefits Of A Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel is a type of skin resurfacing treatment that has been used since ancient times to rejuvenate the complexion. This non-invasive procedure uses special acids or other solutions to remove the top layer of skin and stimulate new cell production in the skin underneath.
Chemical peels have many benefits, including reducing fine lines and wrinkles, minimizing age spots, treating acne and acne scarring, evening out skin discoloration and texture irregularities, diminishing open pores and oiliness, as well as softening overall skin tone.
There are a variety of chemical peels available depending on what your desired outcome is or what type of skin you have. A light superficial peel may be effective for those who want to just improve their overall complexion.
These peels are designed to exfoliate away dead surface cells without causing any redness or discomfort. Medium-depth peels go deeper into the layers of the dermis to address more significant issues such as sun damage, hyperpigmentation and deep wrinkles.
Lastly, deep-level chemical peels are often used to treat major signs of aging like serious photo-aging (sun damage), deep wrinkles and sagging folds in the forehead or face due to lack of fat support; this treatment typically requires some form of sedation due to its strength.
The results appear gradually over time, with multiple treatments needed for improvement. While there may be some pink discoloration for up to several weeks after a session, depending on your individual acid tolerance level.
Side effects usually dissipate within two days, making this procedure ideal for anyone looking for a quick turnaround solution with minimal downtime involved.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Chemical Peels?
The first disadvantage of chemical peels is the pain associated with them. Chemical peels require an acidic substance (such as glycolic acid) to be applied directly to the face and allowed to sit for several minutes.
During this time, patients will feel a burning or stinging sensation due to the acidic nature of the peel. Afterward, they may experience discomfort or tenderness, as well as redness and possible swelling in areas where the peel was applied.
Second, chemical peels can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). This is a darker discoloration that occurs after an inflammatory process such as a chemical peel has taken place on previously blemished skin.
While many cases resolve on their own within several months, PIH can take up to two years or more before fading back into one’s natural skin tone.
Thirdly, chemical peels make skin more susceptible to sun damage due to increased sensitivity caused by the procedure itself.
Patients should avoid direct sun exposure during healing and always use sunscreen when outdoors afterward to prevent further inflammation and darkening of affected areas from UV rays.
Finally, some people experience significant downtime following their chemical peel treatments. Depending on its strength and formulation, it can take up to 3 weeks for new skin cells to completely replace those sloughed away during the procedure.
Leading individuals unable to be able to engage in activities that might affect their healing, like swimming or going out in public for extended periods of time, until fully healed.
Finally, medical insurance typically does not cover cosmetic procedures including chemical peels, leaving patients responsible for paying out-of-pocket costs, which range from hundreds if not thousands of dollars depending on the types or frequency of treatments required.
What Is Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is a type of cosmetic procedure that is used to resurface and rejuvenate the skin, whilst helping to improve an uneven skin tone, large pores or pigmentation issues like age spots / sun spots.
It works by gently exfoliating the topmost layer of skin, removing any uneven or damaged areas on the surface. The aims of microdermabrasion are to reduce wrinkles and fine lines, age spots, acne scars, enlarged pores and sun-damaged skin.
The process utilizes a special device that sprays tiny crystals onto the skin’s surface, which buffs away dead cells from the outermost layers of the epidermis.
Then a vacuum suction removes these crystals along with other impurities from the patient’s face. A series of treatments can result in younger looking skin that appears more vibrant and super smooth due to increased circulation in the dermal layers beneath.
By stimulating collagen production within this layer, it encourages firmness and tightens weakened tissues, resulting in a firmer, more youthful looking appearance overall.
Microdermabrasion has various advantages, including being non-invasive with few side effects such as redness which usually fades quickly after treatment, as well as not requiring recovery time, so patients can return to their normal activities immediately afterward if desired.
Due to its versatility, it can also be used over larger areas such as arms, legs, chest and hands, since there are no incisions made, unlike laser resurfacing procedures which require precision accuracy for the best results.
What Are The Benefits Of Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is an increasingly popular skin care treatment that can improve the overall health and appearance of skin.
This is a gentle, non-surgical procedure uses tiny crystals to exfoliate away dead skin cells and stimulate cell turnover, while a vacuum suction removes the debris along with dirt, oils and impurities.
Microdermabrasion offers multiple benefits that include improving mild acne scars and discoloration, reducing wrinkles and fine lines, shrinking enlarged pores and refining uneven textures. It can also help control blackheads and whiteheads in acne prone skin.
When performed by a well trained aesthetician or plastic surgeon, microdermabrasion treatments are safe for people of all ages with any type of skin—including sensitive skins like those prone to rosacea or melasma.
It may cause slight redness afterward, but there is minimal pain during the procedure itself, so no numbing cream is necessary before the treatment.
The effects are often immediately noticeable; smoother, softer looking skin after one session, although several sessions will produce even more improvement as time goes on.
It’s also great for removing excess oil from oily complexions, which helps keep breakouts under control over time, as well as eliminating clogged pores that contribute to blemishes.
Because this process does not require surgery or injectables like other cosmetic procedures, it carries no risk of infection or complications like scarring or prolonged healing times.
The entire process takes less than 30 minutes, so patients don’t have to worry about taking off too much time from their schedule, either; they can be in and out in just a few minutes throughout treatments while enjoying the improved look they get afterward.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Chemical Peels?
Chemical peels can be used to reduce wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage, age spots and other blemishes, as they use a chemical solution on the outer layer of the skin.
While there are many benefits associated with chemical peels, there are also some potential disadvantages that should be taken into consideration as well.
A chemical peel can be an expensive procedure, especially when done by a professional such as a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. This may not be feasible for individuals on tighter budgets who might want to go in for the treatment but cannot afford it.
There is usually some degree of discomfort involved with this kind of procedure, so those who may have low pain thresholds need to consider before deciding if this is something they really want to pursue.
The discomfort usually passes quickly, though, so it shouldn’t deter anyone from trying if they really feel like it’s necessary for their aesthetic goals.
Chemical peels can only treat certain issues and will not address underlying conditions such as hormonal imbalances or infection that cause many skin problems, so you should always consult your doctor first to determine what exactly is causing your particular issue before opting for a peel procedure.
Also note that even after the peel has been performed successfully, there may still be visible signs of any underlying condition which would need addressed through other means such as medication or topical creams, which could affect overall results obtained from the peel procedure itself.
Microdermabrasion vs Chemical Peel – What Is The Difference?
Microdermabrasion and chemical peels are both cosmetic procedures that use exfoliation to improve skin complexion and texture, through the layers of skin, but what’s the difference between the two?
While they are similar in terms of overall purpose, they differ in terms of the type of exfoliation used and how deeply they penetrate the skin. In microdermabrasion, an abrasive instrument is used to physically remove dead skin cells from the surface of the epidermis with a gentle suctioning action.
This procedure offers a milder level of exfoliation than chemical peels, which use solutions containing ingredients such as alpha-hydroxy acids or retinoids to dissolve away the outermost layer of skin on the epidermis for deep chemical exfoliation.
Chemical peels also vary significantly in strength, from superficial treatments that only affect the top layer of skin to deep treatments that reach further beneath the surface and address severe cases of sun damage or acne scarring more effectively than microdermabrasion.
The type and strength of peel required for optimal results depends on several factors including individual skincare needs and preferences as well as medical history.
Microdermabrasion may be suitable for those who wish to treat minor imperfections in their complexion such as dullness or wrinkles, while chemical peels offer a more intense treatment option for deeper issues like discoloration or acne scars.
Can You Have A Chemical Peel Or Microdermabrasion Together?
It is possible to have both a chemical peel and microdermabrasion together, but it is not recommended as the combination can be quite intense. The good news is that both treatments are safe and very effective when done properly.
A chemical peel works by removing the top layers of skin to rejuvenate the deeper layers. It does this by exfoliating away dead or damaged cells and promoting new cell growth in their place.
On the other hand, microdermabrasion uses a special handheld device to remove dead skin cells using gentle abrasive particles. This process also encourages collagen production and can help improve sun-damaged skin, reduce scars, and soften wrinkles.
When combined, these two treatments can actually be too much for your skin at once, so most medical practitioners recommend waiting 3–4 weeks after you’ve had one treatment before undergoing another one on the same area of skin.
For those who still choose to get them together, there are certain precautions they should take including avoiding doing any deep chemical peels until their skin has fully recovered from any prior procedure before adding a second layer of exfoliation with microdermabrasion as this could potentially cause irritation or inflammation in already sensitive areas.
Which Is Best For Sun Damage? Chemical Peel Vs Microdermabrasion?
When it comes to treating sun damage, there are two popular treatments: chemical peeling and microdermabrasion.
Chemical peels use a mild acidic solution to exfoliate the skin, removing damaged cells and leaving behind smoother, more evenly toned skin.
These peels usually come in three types; light chemical peel (AHA or BHA), medium depth chemical peel (TCA) and deep chemical peel (phenol).
It is important to note that each type of peel varies in strength and some can be quite painful, so consulting a specialist before undergoing one is essential.
Microdermabrasion, on the other hand, involves the gentle removal of superficial layers of the epidermis by using tiny brush heads or crystals propelled under pressure against the skin surface.
This non-invasive treatment typically requires several sessions to obtain optimal results reducing wrinkles, evening out pigmentation irregularities as well as improving overall skin texture and tone. However its effects are not as long-lasting when compared to those of chemical peels.
Overall both treatments can effectively reduce sun damage, however, depending on an individual’s specific needs either option may be suitable.
Light chemical peels might be best used for milder forms of photo-damage, while deeper levels are indicated for conditions such as severe hyperpigmentation or scarring caused by sun exposure over time.
Microdermabrasion is useful for achieving short-term results in less extreme cases, but does not offer long-term correction like what can be achieved with chemical peels as well.
Which Is Best For Wrinkles? Microdermabrasion Or Chemical Peels?
When considering skin issues, microdermabrasion and chemical peels are two popular treatments that can help reduce wrinkles. While both treatments can effectively diminish signs of aging, there are benefits and drawbacks to each.
Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive skin resurfacing procedure that requires no downtime, but may need several treatment sessions for desired results.
Chemical peels provide deeper skin cell exfoliation, leaving skin visibly brighter and smoother; however, it comes with greater recovery time than microdermabrasion.
Depending on your skin type and the severity of wrinkles, you might want to consider a chemical peel as the best option to reduce the appearance of wrinkles in one session.
Which Is Best For Acne? Microdermabrasion Vs Chemical Peels?
When it comes to active acne, both microdermabrasion and chemical peels can be beneficial. Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive procedure where the outer layer of skin is exfoliated using a mechanical device or crystal particles.
It helps to remove dead skin cells, reduce acne scars and make pores look smaller. Chemical Peels involve applying an acid solution to the surface layer of the skin to remove the top layers of skin and promote collagen production.
Chemical peels can also help with reducing breakouts, diminishing mild scarring and brightening dullness. To decide which one is best for acne treatment, it’s important to consult a dermatologist, who can assess your individual needs and make recommendations based on the severity of your condition.
Both treatments are effective ways of combating stubborn blemishes, but ultimately, you have to decide which one is right for you according to your unique situation.
Things To Consider Before Choosing A Treatment Option
When considering any type of treatment, it’s important to consider your skin type and the desired outcome. Microdermabrasion and chemical peels are both effective treatments for reducing the appearance of wrinkles and acne scars, but they each have their own pros and cons.
Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive procedure that removes the outermost layer of dead skin cells from the face using an abrasive tool for deep exfoliation. It helps to unclog pores and reduce signs of aging, such as fine lines, brown spots, and acne scars.
The biggest advantage is that microdermabrasion is not painful or damaging like other more aggressive treatments can be.
However, its effects are also relatively short-lasting, as you will need to repeat treatments every few weeks or months to maintain results. It might not be suitable for those with sensitive skin as it may cause irritation or redness.
Chemical peels involve applying a mild acid solution to the face, which causes exfoliation at deeper levels than microdermabrasion can reach, giving you a smoother texture.
Chemical peels can help even out skin tone, reduce sun damage, improve texture and diminish certain types of acne scarring. They typically require multiple sessions spaced four weeks apart to achieve significant results.
However they tend to last longer than microdermabrasion treatments, so there is less need for frequent maintenance visits afterward. If your skin is sensitive, then this might not be the best choice either, since some chemicals used during treatment can cause adverse reactions in people with delicate complexions.
Summary
When it comes to deciding between microdermabrasion vs chemical peels, there are a few things to consider. Do you want manual exfoliation or chemical exfoliation for a start?
Each treatment has different benefits and risks; microdermabrasion is a physical exfoliation technique, and is gentler, plus offers immediate results with minimal downtime or discomfort, helping to relieve dull skin, and improve the top layer of your skin.
While chemical peels can provide more dramatic results but may cause some redness, inflammation, skin irritation and pigmentation change afterward.
It is important to discuss all of your options with a qualified dermatologist so that you can make the most informed decision for yourself and your types of skin. Both treatments offer a range of advantages depending on what you’re looking to achieve from your skin care regimen, to help you achieve healthier skin.
Hi, my name is Gemma, and I’m the owner of MakeupMuddle.com. I’m a true beauty obsessive, and love writing about anything to do with beauty – I have been a beauty writer since 2012.
As well as owning Makeup Muddle, I also own GemmaEtc.com, and love sharing my thoughts and feelings about the greatest (and not so great) beauty products!